Free Animal Crossing New Horizons Digital Items And Treasure Islands In 2026

Animal Crossing: New Horizons players have access to several free digital items and resources in 2026, primarily through official Nintendo promotional codes and community-hosted "treasure islands." These offerings allow players to customize their avatars and islands without cost, provided they meet specific in-game and subscription requirements. The availability of these items coincides with the anticipated release of a major 3.0 update scheduled for January 2026.

Official Nintendo 2026 Custom Design Codes

Nintendo has released three specific custom design codes to celebrate the new year. These codes unlock wearable items featuring "2026" branding and fireworks artwork. The items include a knit cap, a hoodie, and a flag. All three designs share a bright purple colorway.

The specific Design IDs for these items are: * 2026 Knit Cap: Design ID MO-4BF9-FR90-X513 * 2026 Hoodie: Design ID MO-05W4-BPK8-3R2F * 2026 Flag: Design ID MO-T5KK-WX8Y-VKP0

In addition to individual Design IDs, players can access these items using a single Creator ID. By searching for Creator ID MA-6818-1746-6029, players can view all designs uploaded by the "Nina / Nintendo" creator, which includes the 2026 promotional items.

Eligibility and Requirements

Claiming these free official items requires meeting specific prerequisites. First, players must have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. This subscription is mandatory for accessing the in-game Custom Design portal, which facilitates the download of user-created content.

Second, players must have progressed far enough in the game to unlock the Able Sisters clothing shop. Once unlocked, players can access the Custom Design Kiosk located at the back of the store. The kiosk is the only interface point for searching, downloading, and saving custom designs from the portal.

How to Redeem Free Custom Designs

The process for redeeming the free Nintendo designs follows a standard procedure for the Custom Design portal:

1. Navigate to the Able Sisters Shop: Players must physically travel to the clothing store on their island.
2. Access the Kiosk: Interact with the Custom Design Kiosk located at the back of the shop.
3. Search for Designs: Select the option to search for designs. Players can choose to search by specific Design ID or by Creator ID.
4. Download: Once the desired design is located, select the "Save" option to download it to the player's Custom Designs app.
5. Apply: The downloaded items can then be worn or displayed from the app.

According to the source material, there is no immediate rush to redeem these codes, as they should remain available for players to claim in the future.

Community Treasure Islands and Dodo Codes

Beyond official Nintendo promotions, players can access free in-game items through "treasure islands." These are player-created islands where the host utilizes hacking devices or software to spawn unlimited quantities of rare items, Bells, Nook Miles Tickets (NMTs), DIY recipes, furniture, and seasonal items.

"24/7" treasure islands refer to islands that remain open for visitors at all times. This is typically managed by the host using various methods to ensure the island remains accessible. These islands provide a no-cost method for players to acquire resources needed to build their islands, pay off home loans, and collect furniture. Players access these islands by using "Dodo codes" provided by the host. However, the provided source material does not list specific Dodo codes for these treasure islands.

Upcoming 3.0 Update Context

The release of the free 2026 custom designs and the interest in treasure islands are occurring alongside anticipation for the Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update, scheduled for January 15, 2026. This update is described as a major content addition, marking the first significant update in several years. It coincides with the franchise's 25th anniversary.

While the specific details of the 3.0 update were not fully detailed in the provided source material, it is reported to include a free resort hotel, expanded home storage, a "Reset Service," and collaborations with LEGO and The Legend of Zelda. The "Slumber Island" feature is also mentioned. The timing of the free design release suggests a strategy to encourage player engagement prior to the update's launch.

Nintendo Switch Profile Customization

In addition to in-game items, a separate limited-time offer allows players to customize their Nintendo Switch user profiles with Animal Crossing character icons. This event requires players to own Animal Crossing: New Horizons and have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

To claim these profile icons, players must: 1. Navigate to their Nintendo Switch Online profile. 2. Scroll down to the "Missions & Rewards" tab. 3. Locate and complete the specific Animal Crossing-related mission.

The event allows players to earn icons featuring characters such as Goldie, Skye, and Ruby. These icons typically cost Platinum Coins but are available as a free reward during this specific window. The source material indicates the event was scheduled to end on January 6, 2026 (00:59 GMT / 01:59 CET).

Conclusion

In 2026, Animal Crossing: New Horizons players can obtain free digital content through two primary channels: official Nintendo promotional codes and community-managed treasure islands. The official codes provide specific 2026-themed wearable items via the Custom Design portal, requiring a Nintendo Switch Online subscription and access to the Able Sisters shop. Meanwhile, treasure islands offer a broader range of items, including currency and rare materials, through community-shared Dodo codes. These freebies coincide with the lead-up to the game's 3.0 update, providing players with resources and customization options for their islands.

Sources

1. AKRPG - ACNH Free Treasure Island Dodo Codes
2. Gamerant - Animal Crossing New Horizons Codes January 2026
3. ComicBook.com - Animal Crossing Shares New Freebies
4. Sportskeeda - All Animal Crossing New Horizons Codes Free Items 2026
5. GamingBible - Animal Crossing New Horizon Free Downloads